Jun 4, 2013

Gothenburg, Sweden

I just returned from Mikkel Vang's workshop in Gothenburg, Sweden produced by Ritchie Ace Camps. I can't remember how I came across Mikkel's work but I remember I was still in corporate life, and finding his website opened my eyes to the whole word of this beautiful editorial food/lifestyle photography. When you're working in a cubicle 9-5 and making slides and writing reports, you really have no idea that there's this world out there, and that there are jobs like prop stylists and food stylists and so on. I was fascinated and completely inspired from that moment. Over the last few years, whenever I needed a boost of inspiration, I pulled up Mikkel's site. When I saw he was teaching a workshop, I thought about for a full two seconds before I got right on board.

Mikkel is incredibly charming, candid, and just all around brilliant. I am looking forward to getting back to my shoots and really trying to step it up. No excuses, as he would say.

I have a lot more thoughts but for now, I wanted to share the "portrait of Gothenburg" I created during our time there. We were sent on assignment to create a travel story of Gothenburg in our eyes, and then to present five spreads to the other workshop attendees. It was absolutely amazing to see how different everyone's perspective was and how everyone's style manifested in their shots. Editing down is challenging and there were a few photos that I liked but just didn't fit with my story, so I had to scrap them. Here are the five I presented:






I can see how difficult it is to be a travel photographer. Nothing's ever perfect. There's always some darn construction sign in the way of a beautiful street, or the light is too harsh or ugly, or it's raining, or you miss the split second when a group of people are in the perfect candid moment, or... the list goes on. You just have to make it work (and try not to get a viral infection like I did in the process :[).

More to come. And some scenes from Stockholm as well!

25 comments :

  1. Lovely shots! You're doing pretty good as a travel photographer. I would like to see every story of each photographer at this workshop to find out how everyone saw this city. Good to hear that you enjoyed your participation!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love that top photo of the Central Station and the photo with the pink and orange tables. I studied abroad in Stockholm a few years ago, but I never made it to Gothenburg. I've since met a few Swedes from Gothenburg, though, and they are quick to point out that Gothenburg is the better city, I missed out, etc. I'd love to go back and explore it sometime.

    I can't wait to see your photos of Stockholm. As much as I love New York, and it's my home, etc., there were times when I thought to myself that it just couldn't compare to Stockholm. Oops? Loved that Instagram photo of yours of all the islands.

    Did you manage to squeeze any shopping in (to Cos, perhaps)?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gothenburg is so wonderful. It was one of my favorite places while I was in Sweden. I agree with Claire, the shopping is great!

    Great pictures!

    xo

    Emily

    Could Be Interesting Blog

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful Alice! Loving the bottom right photo.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a coincidence Alice, I just published my first recap from my trip to Stockholm! :) I can't wait to see the fragments beautifully captured by you and thanks for sharing your inspiration.

    Adore the penultimate photo :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. This sounds a mazing, I would LOVE to do a a workshop like that!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Just recently found your site and I'm in love with your work. I'm an amateur photographer and your work is very inspiring. I'll definitely follow Mikkel's work from now on. Sign me up if you ever have a workshop.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh that is absolutely stunning. I have never been to Sweden, but after this post I sure as heck would want to go sometime soon!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Please post more soon! I'm wanting to see the rest of your trip :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I effing love the first photo. So nice! Please post more soon cos I cant wait too long.

    ReplyDelete
  11. how inspiring to read alice! liked hearing your own sentiments in transitioning out of corporate life into where you are now. and of course, the images you shared above are a lovely, lovely and charming story. it was so enjoyable seeing your narrative in them.

    ReplyDelete
  12. how inspiring. please share with us more from the workshop, please!

    what lens did you use for these?

    ReplyDelete
  13. beautiful pictures Alice. And it's really good to attend such workshop specially if it's associated with someone you look upon to. Get well soon!

    ReplyDelete
  14. absolutely gorgeous!

    hope you feel better soon :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Your photos have definitely put a lot of excitement on my trip to that side of the world next week! Wheeeee!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your photos are simply lovely! You have some great skills!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Alice, I give you a full credit for the comment about no inspiration/life in a corporate world...
    The pictures are just beautiful, as always.

    ReplyDelete
  18. everything looks fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I just stumbled upon your blog and found your photos absolutely dreamy and your writing transported me to the places you described. Dreamy pictures and well-written posts help lift me when I feel sad and yours is one of them. Keep on posting...

    ReplyDelete
  21. Nice job Alice. A lot of ins and outs I hadn't considered. I would love to get more into food, street & travel photography. Oh, dreams...

    ReplyDelete
  22. mmm that plate of meat and olives looks so mouth watering!

    ReplyDelete
  23. all this beauty; a feast for my eyes
    xx
    http://petalandplume.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  24. Beautiful photos! So fun to see my home town through your viewfinder. I actually work just across some of the buildings you photographed. Hope you liked it here and that you feel better now.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Gorgeous photos! Great job. I'm dreaming of visiting Sweden again after scrolling down your blog

    ReplyDelete